User Reviews

Springsteen's Broadway show transfers beautifully to television. The presentation is elemental; Springsteen narrates his deeply personal stories, illustrated with beautiful acoustic performances of some of the greatest songs. Its frequently tearfully moving, but interspersed with self-deprecating humour. I'm not sure any other rock superstar could perform with such grace and flair.

To properly appreciate the show one has to consider the number years that Springsteen has been at this. His book was a rather boring read but the live presentation is quite engaging. His self depreciation and his acknowledge of his own talent are interesting albeit conflicting revelations. The depth of personal experience in some of his songs is great to hear about. And just like one hisTo properly appreciate the show one has to consider the number years that Springsteen has been at this. His book was a rather boring read but the live presentation is quite engaging. His self depreciation and his acknowledge of his own talent are interesting albeit conflicting revelations. The depth of personal experience in some of his songs is great to hear about. And just like one his concerts, despite all that he gives, he leaves you wanting more.…Expand

It’s a surprisingly meta presentation, at times feeling like as much of a storytelling workshop as a musical autobiography. The parts where Springsteen highlights the difference between the stories that he’s known for telling and who he actually is are the most revealing sections, more frank and unadorned than the genuinely affectionate yet blatantly mythologized portraits of his father, his mother, his hometown of Freehold, New Jersey, and his longtime wife and bandmate Patti Scialfa, who briefly joins him onstage.

It’s a master class in pacing, dynamics, modulation of volume and tone, and the film brings you right up onstage with Springsteen, giving you a more intimate view of his technique--understated, seemingly casual but absolutely controlled--than you could get in the theater. Each expression, gesture, artful hesitation and sly punch line is zeroed in on, framed for our appreciation.

Like many of the all-time great concert films, Springsteen On Broadway is no substitute for being in the room, but it’s power transcends any perceived limitations. Springsteen On Broadway sets a standard for all musicians entering their twilight years, as the man up on stage offers his most moving work in a catalog full of them.